Medical Examiner Says Charlie Trotter Died of a Stroke

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The Cook County medical examiner's office has ruled that celebrated Chicago chef Charlie Trotter died of a stroke.

As reported in the Chicago Tribune, Cook County Medical Examiner Stephen Cina said that the autopsy showed that the 54-year-old chef "died of cerebrovascular accident as a consequence of hypertensive arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease." Translation: Trotter's high blood pressure led to a deadly stroke.

The medical examiner added, "Neither drugs nor alcohol contributed to his death." Despite previous reports that Trotter had traveled after being told he had an aneurysm and not to fly, the medical examiner reported that "there is no scientific evidence to indicate that recent travel contributed to his death, though there was evidence of a prior stroke." According to the Chicago Tribune, Trotter's family had previously told police he "had been taking medication for seizures, high blood pressure and high cholesterol."

A memorial service for Trotter was held on November 11 at the Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, where Mayor Rahm Emanuel praised Trotter for his contribution to Chicago as a philanthropist. According to WBEZ, the service was attended by many notable chefs from around the country, including: Thomas Keller (Per Se, French Laundry), Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, Topolobampo), Emeril Lagasse (Delmonico's, Emeril's), Todd English (Olives, Figs), and many more.